Event To Be Held In Doha From 5th To 7th November

21 Oct 2013

Doha, QATAR - Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatar Airways is looking forward to hosting the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in Doha from 5th – 7th November, at the Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel.

The AGM brings together more than 300 chief executive officers, directors and executives from Arab and international carriers for high level discussions about the future growth of the region’s aviation industry, and reinforcing collaboration between Arab carriers in the face of global competition.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker, who will chair the proceedings of the 46th AACO AGM said: “Qatar Airways’ support for this key event reflects its commitment toward cooperation between Arab countries at an international level. AACO is one of the most successful and efficient Arab aviation bodies as it annually passes recommendations of great importance to the Arab aviation industry.”

AACO Secretary General Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha added: “Qatar Airways is an important Arab organization that has been able over the years to reinforce its presence on the global aviation map. Although launched in 1997, the airline has managed to significantly increase its growth globally and establish itself as a quality airline with its unique and innovative service which has earned it numerous awards based on passengers’ feedback. Twelve years ago, the AACO AGM was held here in Qatar, and this year we return again to this city that has become a hub for a global airline providing connections to more than 125 destinations worldwide.”

Established in 1965 by the Arab League of States and headquartered in Beirut, AACO is a non-profit organization gathering 30 Arab member airlines and aims to promote cooperation, quality and safety standards among its carriers. AACO as well works on enhancing human resources working in air transport through various training courses provided by AACO’s regional training center based in Amman, with a branch in Cairo. In addition, AACO manages a number of joint projects gathering its member airlines.

The organization continuously cooperates and communicates at various levels with global air transport associations such as IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

This is the second time that Qatar Airways is hosting the annual general meeting of AACO. The first AGM was held in Doha in 2001.

As an active member of this regional organization, hosting the next AACO AGM is a part of Qatar Airways’ commitment to the advancement of the global aviation industry and the Arab aviation industry in particular.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 129 aircraft to 132 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

Qatar Airways was presented with three honours at the annual Skytrax 2013 World Airline Awards held during the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, France in June. The airline was awarded World’s Best Business Class, World’s Best Business Class Lounge and, for the second consecutive year, Best Airline Staff Service in the Middle East.

The airline has also been named Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row, and its Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport named Best Premium Service Airport for the third consecutive year in 2013. Qatar Airways has also twice been the recipient of the prestigious Skytrax Airline of the Year Award in 2011 and 2012. Skytrax is the only global independent passenger survey monitoring airline standards and is considered the ultimate benchmark for excellence in the airline industry.

Qatar Airways currently has orders worth over US$50 billion for more than 250 aircraft, including Boeing 787s, 777s, Airbus A350s, A380s and A320 family of aircraft. On 30 October 2013, Qatar Airways will join the oneworld global alliance. For more information, visit www.qatarairways.com.